Fascia Myths & Fascia Facts Part 2: Yin Yoga, Myofascial Release, & More

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of fascia in part 2 of a 2-part series. This second episode of this 2-part series focuses on the questions:

1) Does Yin Yoga target fascia?

2) Does myofascial release work?

(Part 1 of this series focused on the questions: What is fascia? And: Can we train fascia through active movement?)

Points of discussion in this episode include:

A review of the definition of fasciaWhat claims does Yin Yoga make about fascia?What is Yin Yoga?What’s the difference between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga?What are the viscoelastic properties of connective tissue, and what role do they play in Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga?Does Yin Yoga specifically target fascia?What specific fascial tissue does Yin Yoga claim to target?What biomechanical effect does Yin Yoga claim to have on fascia?Does Yin Yoga target the joints and not the muscles?Does Yin Yoga “stress” the connective tissue of the joints?What is myofascial release?What is a trigger point (a.k.a. a knot or adhesion)?What effects does myofascial release have on the body?What is a pain pressure threshold?Does myofascial release actually release myofascia?…And much more!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Jenni’s email newsletter

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Article: Redefining Self-Myofascial Release

Research article: Do Self-Myofascial Release Devices Release Myofascia? Rolling Mechanisms: A Narrative Review 

Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni

Strength for Yoga email newsletter

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.

Support the show

**Become a supporter of the Yoga Meets Movement Science podcast – starting at $3/month!